On the Magistrates and Republic of Venice

will raise the readers to such an expectation that there will be no need for me to promise anything further regarding the fruit of reading it. Yet, I do not seem to myself to predict in vain that everyone, whether a senator or one who is otherwise engaged in the administration of a part of the republic, will not only perceive exceptional pleasure from the knowledge of the polity of this illustrious city, but will also extract something from such a perfect model—as if from the canon of Polycletus—for the benefit of his own republic, provided it is according to its own reason and nature. For it is possible to recognize here such a mixture from the triple form of public administration as no more harmonious has been either imagined by the wise to this day, or is found recorded by writers in memory. Farewell and enjoy, and continue to love me. Basel,